[Back problems in conscripts. A 10-year follow-up]

One hundred and twenty-three conscripts called up for national service in 1979-80 were re-examined 10 years after call up with a questionnaire identical to one answered at the time of call up. The study group consisted of three subgroups. Group A had been rejected for service because of back problems (back-rejects). Group B were conscripts with back symptoms at the time of call up, but all completed their national service (non back-rejects). Group C did not have back symptoms at the time of call up. The back-rejects had a significantly higher incidence of: back pain; radiating pain to lower extremities; contacts (hospital, G. P., radiographs etc.) and sick leave from job as compared to group B and C. Out of 19 conscripts with radiographically verified Mb. Scheuermann, 89% had back symptoms at the time of follow-up including all with lumbar and thoracolumbar Mb. Scheuermann. All conscripts in this study had a job at follow-up. It is recommended that the criteria for rejection of conscripts in Denmark concerning back symptoms and Mb. Scheuermann remains unchanged.